In an effort to distinguish the "myth" from the "reality" surrounding
Governor Eliot Spitzer's unlawful proposal to issue driver's licenses to illegal aliens, Assembly
Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) today set the record straight.

"Separating the myth from reality surrounding Governor Spitzer's unlawful proposal to
hand out driver's licenses to illegal aliens is a crucial part of having an open, honest debate.
More than 200 elected officials, security experts and members of law enforcement believe
Governor Spitzer's proposal would make us less safe, less secure. The Governor's plan is
risky, reckless and irresponsible - and, in the opinion of 72 percent of New Yorkers surveyed
in a Siena Research Institute poll, it is just plain wrong," Tedisco stated.

"Instead of trying to demonize, discredit and steamroll critics of his unlawful proposal,
Governor Spitzer should try listening to the legitimate, bi-partisan concerns being raised.
This is about safety and security, right and wrong and stopping 'Illegal Eliot's' unlawful
proposal," Tedisco said.

NEW YORK'S REALITY: John Lehman, former U.S. Navy Secretary who served on the independent, bi-partisan 9/11 Commission said [Governor Spitzer's plan is a]: "perfect formula for al-Qaeda. They won't be able to resist it ... So New York becomes a sanctuary for al-Qaeda and all sorts of other people on the lam."

SPITZER'S MYTH: Broad support exists for Governor Spitzer's plan.

NEW YORK'S REALITY: There is widespread, growing opposition to Governor Spitzer's plan: NYC Mayors Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg, former NYS DMV Commissioner Ray Martinez, members of the state Legislature and scores of County Legislators and other local elected officials from across the state. A Siena Research Institute poll released October 15, found that of New Yorkers who have read or heard about Governor Spitzer's plan, 72 percent oppose it. More than 200 elected officials, security experts and members of law enforcement oppose Governor's Spitzer's plan.

SPITZER'S MYTH: There is strong support among County Clerks for Governor Spitzer's plan.

NEW YORK'S REALITY: President of 9/11 Families for a Secure America Peter Gadiel testified, "If the Governor follows through with his plan, when there is another 9/11, it is likely those involved will have obtained New York driver's licenses. In that case, Spitzer will have on his hands the blood of victims."

NEW YORK'S REALITY: Despite repeated requests for information, the State Insurance Department has not provided any empirical evidence supporting this claim. Not only does Governor Spitzer's claim lack credibility - it defies logic: why would illegal aliens who have been driving illegally suddenly purchase auto insurance?

SPITZER'S MYTH: States that have enacted a policy similar to Governor Spitzer's have seen success.

NEW YORK'S REALITY: Of 15 states enacting a similar plan, seven have eliminated it, or are in the process of doing so. In fact, most states experienced a significant increase of instances of identity theft.

SPITZER'S MYTH: Governor Spitzer's plan was crafted in a manner suitable to open government.

NEW YORK'S REALITY: The plan was crafted in virtual secrecy, with no public or legislative input. Governor Spitzer refuses to publicly debate or testify in support of his unlawful proposal.